Those who knew Ellis "Jake" Diviney couldn't help but tip their caps to "the Gentleman Coach."

The nickname for the 30-year head basketball coach at New Oxford High School came from local media's description of Diviney's on-court conduct.

Diviney kept a cool demeanor and rarely raised his voice, according to his players and colleagues over the years.

"He didn't rant and rage like coaches do today," said Wayne Lau, a player on the first high school team Diviney coached. "He approached the game a little differently and coached differently, and we all respected him for that."

He is survived by his children — Mitch Diviney, Dan Diviney, Duane Diviney and Ann — as well as eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a sister. Jake Diviney was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ann Marie Diviney.

Diviney racked up 452 career wins coaching high school basketball, the fifth best mark in the area behind Jim Dooley (702), Joe Hasenfuss (549), Don Dimoff (480) and Mike Keesey (465).

This included a 389-235 record at New Oxford and a Blue Mountain League title in 1976. The Colonials reached five district championship games from 1964 to 1972 under Diviney.

He was inducted into the New Oxford High School Hall of Fame in 2006. A plaque memorializing Diviney's legacy as a Colonial is on display outside the school's gym.

"Through his coaching, we became better athletes," the inscription from the Class of 1984 reads. "Through his teaching, we became better students; Through his guidance, we became better individuals. Thanks Jake!"

A plaque honoring Jake Diviney, the 30-year head coach of the New Oxford basketball team, is on display outside the school gym.(Photo: Submitted)

Diviney was known for his stall offense, or so-called "popcorn," which won many close games, according to his obituary.

When he retired from New Oxford in 1984, the first and last teams Diviney coached reunited for a closed-door game. Former players came from as far as California and Alaska to be there.

Diviney's influence had more to do with how he coached his teams than win-loss records, according to Jeff Null, who played for Diviney in the early 80s.

"He was a mentor," Null said. "He taught you about life."

Diviney would never yell at his players. If he was unhappy with his team's efforts, he might express his displeasure with subtle actions only his players would recognize, like leaning back in the bleachers or opening his jacket. On some occasions, he would pull all five starters and replace them with five players from the bench.

Then, he would ask his starters if they were ready to play.

Diviney was so dedicated to his players that he would drive some out to colleges like Penn State and East Stroudsburg University for visits. After retiring as a high school coach, he was an assistant on the Gettysburg College basketball staff for several years.

"He was very much idolized," Null said.

Dan Diviney called his father a "natural leader."

It wasn't always a basketball court where Diviney would take charge. In retirement, he walked across America with his daughter and built a house by hand.

"He led by example," Dan said.

Diviney was born in Hanover and graduated from Eichelberger High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and track, according to his obituary. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Diviney received a presidential citation for helping to make the bomb bay net for the atomic bomb while working at Hanover Wire Cloth during high school, according to his obituary.

In addition to basketball, Diviney taught physical education and health and coached various other sports including track and field, soccer, baseball, volleyball and wrestling.

Bob Conrad was a fellow teacher at New Oxford in the 70s and coached the 9th grade boys' team while Diviney was leading the varsity squad.

"He tutored me, and I learned a lot from him," Conrad said.

Whether on court or in the classroom, Diviney always maintained control, even with his laid-back personality, according to Conrad.

"Jake did a lot for New Oxford," Conrad said. "He was a legend up there. Having the opportunity to go in there as a young teacher and have him as my mentor was a very positive thing for me."